Burkina Faso and French security forces killed at least three attackers and rescued 126 hostages after extremists seized a luxury hotel in the capital. The gunmen had stormed the Splendid Hotel and a nearby cafe on Friday night, sparking an hours-long battle that continued into Saturday morning.
Security Minister Simon Compaore said the hotel was retaken and nearby buildings were being checked for any remaining militants. About 33 people were injured, and at least 10 bodies were found, though the final death toll is still being determined.
The assault was carried out by the same al-Qaeda-linked group behind the 2015 hotel attack in Bamako, Mali. AQIM claimed responsibility online, saying its fighters targeted the restaurant and hotel in downtown Ouagadougou.
French troops arrived from Mali to support the rescue mission, and the U.S. provided surveillance assistance. Witnesses said the attackers would not leave the hotel alive, insisting Burkina Faso would not be intimidated by extremists.
The U.S. condemned the attack and confirmed all embassy staff in the city were safe.
